BIOGRAPHY
VERY REVERAND JAMES N. CHAKALOS
JANUARY 26, 1924 - SEPTEMBER 4, 2006
†
Father James N. Chakalos was born in Keene, New Hampshire on
January 26, 1924. As a young boy, he took a special interest in the
Greek Orthodox Religion and followed his Father’s footsteps as a
“Psalti”. He later attended The Holy Cross Seminary until 1942. Upon
which time he was called into military service during World War II.
Father Jim served as a member of the United State Army Air Force
from 1942 until 1945. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge and during
his military service to our country; he was promoted to the position of
Investigator.
On May 12, 1946 Jim and Ellie were married at St. Demetrious Church
in Jersey City. In 2006 they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.
They have two children, Georgia and Nicholas (deceased) and two
grandchildren, Julia and James. Father Jim attended Asbury Business
School in 1953, and continued his education at Monmouth University in
1956.
Father Jim was initiated into the Asbury Park A.H.E.P.A. Chapter in
1953. At that time, this Chapter had only five (5) members. Father
Jim became instrumental in helping this Chapter grow into on of the
largest districts in the region. He served as the A.H.E.P.A. Chapter
President from 1966-1971. During this time Father Jim had the
distinction of initiating a record 26 new members into A.H.E.P.A. in one
ceremony. Three of these new Ahepans later advanced within the
organization and served as District Governors. Father Jim has spent
over 50 years as an active brother in the A.H.E.P.A and during that
time his efforts have help perpetuate the ideals of Hellenic Culture. In
recognition of his outstanding performance and achievements throughout
his A.H.E.P.A years, he was honored in 2002 as “Ahepan of the Year”.
Upon completion of his religious studies, Father Jim was ordained a
priest in 1972 and was assigned to the St. George Parish in Asbury
Park. During his tenure as pastor to the Asbury Park congregation, he
served as the State of New Jersey Youth Director for 7 years. Under
his leadership, the Asbury Park GOYA recruited a record of 126
members.
In 1972, Father Jim and his wife, Ellie, founded the Hellenic Dancers
of New Jersey.
Since the inception of the Hellenic Dancers hundreds
of young Greek-American of first, second and third generations have
dedicated themselves to the perpetuation and sharing of their rich
cultural and heritage with American audiences. Ellie has researched and
amassed a repertoire of over 300 dances, songs and traditions from
virtually every corner of the “Greek World”. Today this outstanding
troupe has been the recipient of standing ovations by prestigious and
appreciative audiences exceeding at times 34,000 persons. Their
performances have been by special invitation only, and including civic,
cultural, philanthropic, academic and social affairs. In 2007 The
Hellenic Dancers will be celebrating 35 years of dance.
His next assignment was to St. Barbara’s Greek Orthodox Church in
Toms River in 1982. In 1992, he was assigned as assistant pastor at
Kimisis Tis Theotokou in Holmdel. Father Jim served this community
with devotion, leadership and love. Father Jim was a very special priest
in the community. Everyone in the community would always have a
different name in his eyes. He would walk by and say hello “Janet”,
“Stella” and the parishioners would respond back even though that wasn’t
their real name. You could not but love Father Jim. He was the
“best”, there was nothing he wouldn’t do for you. He would try and get
it done no matter what it took. He was truly a “Father” to all in the
Kimisis community.
On August 15, 2006 Father Jim was elevated to
the level of Very Reverend James N. Chakalos. Father Jim was
overwhelmed with his elevation and was so very proud of it.
On September 4, 2006 our beloved Father Jim fell asleep. We will miss
him deeply but will always remember all the happiness and joy he has
given to us. Father Jim would have celebrated his 35 years of
priesthood in 2007.
Father Jim will have a special place in our hearts forever.
May his memory be forever eternal.